The Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) has welcomed the decision by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to subject Sri Lanka to a 10% tariff under the recently concluded Section 301 investigations, describing it as a major boost for the country’s rubber products export sector.
SLAMERP said the decision places Sri Lanka on par with several competing exporting nations, helping preserve the competitiveness of Sri Lankan rubber products in one of its most important overseas markets. Earlier indications had suggested Sri Lanka could face a significantly higher tariff, raising concerns over the industry’s ability to compete globally. The Association noted that the latest decision follows a series of revisions to U.S. trade measures over the past 18 months. The reciprocal tariff initially announced at 44% in April 2025 was subsequently reduced to 30%, then to 20%, before being finalised at 10%.
SLAMERP Chairman Pushpika Janadheera described the outcome as a significant achievement for Sri Lanka’s export manufacturing sector, particularly the rubber products industry. He said tariff parity would ensure Sri Lanka remains an attractive sourcing destination for international buyers, while strengthening confidence in the country’s manufacturing capabilities and long-term export potential.
The Association expressed appreciation to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Government, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Commerce, the Export Development Board and other officials for their sustained engagement with U.S. authorities.
The United States is one of Sri Lanka’s largest markets for value-added rubber products, including industrial and medical gloves, tyres, solid tyres, industrial rubber goods, mattresses and pillows. SLAMERP said the decision would provide greater certainty for exporters, strengthen investor confidence and support sustainable export-led economic growth through continued Government-private sector collaboration.
Source: Daily News